1. You may identify the stasis in the play but it isn’t necessarily at the beginning of the play. Where is it and who does it involve?
One of the greatest things about Ball'sTheory is that it is simply a theory; therefore, is a supposed idea that is not necessarily true in every case. In my personal analysis of Execution of Justice, I don''t believe there is a stasis. Considering a stasis is a state of inactivity or equilibrium, it is illogical to assume that any aspect of the events surrounding the murder of Harvey Milk would be inactive or calm. The LGBT community of San Francisco had a crucial member of their community and an icon to many ripped away from them in a tragic crime. I understand that the play has to begin somewhere and that is generally assumed to be the stasis; however, I don't think that Execution of Justice follows this traditional path because the play begins in a chaotic state of heightened emotion and turmoil in San Francisco. I believe this was deliberate on the part of Mann to show that the beginning of this trial was not the beginning of the chaos and injustice being experience by the LGBT Community during this time. 2. Ball points out that the intrusion sometimes occurs late in the dramatic action. What is the intrusion that breaks the stasis in Execution of Justice and how is it broken?
I tried really hard to contain my analysis to the ideas of Ball's Theory but, it seems that I can't fail to see the holes in the theory as it applies to this play. I couldn't isolate the play to one contained event when in fact the play is capturing the end result of the situation surrounding the murders. Considering that the intrusion is the trigger for the resolving actions of the play, I honestly don't believe that one of the goals of the play was to captured the injustice served on behalf of the LGBT community and that it was not written to stand alone as the single event of the trial; however, it was to capture the end result of the unjust situation. Therefore, I don't believe the intrusion was within the play because Mann includes enough background information to convey that this is a long standing experience for the LGBT community. 3. Why do the events of the play take place at this particular time and place? In other words, what is the unique factor that is out of the ordinary that causes a turn of events to take place? Hint: what is the heart of the play? How does the title figure in this?
The unique factor of the events of the play is that this is the trial that will determine the fate of White after he commits a heinous crime. 4. State the dramatic questions that must be answered by the end of the play? (Ordinarily, the dramatic question shares a close connection with the intrusion.)
The dramatic question is whether or not White will receive a proper sentence for what he did and will the liberal community see justice in the results. 5. Use the two lawyers to answer the questions concerning character. Ball says, a character is revealed by what he/she does, ie. The dramatic actions that are taken. Examine what these particular characters wants. The wants of a character often encounter obstacles that get in the way of achieving those wants. Ball says there are 4 kinds of obstacles that frustrate the wants of a character. They are: a. Me against myself, b. Me against another individual, c. Me against society (that is law, social norms, etc.) and, d. Me against fate, the universe, natural forces, God or the gods. In answering these questions be sure to point to the particular obstacles that demonstrate these obstacles facing each of the lawyers.
The defense, Mr. Norman, and the prosecution, Schmidt, are in a clear battle against each other to achieve what they think is justice concerning the case. However, Mr. Norman is facing more opposition because of the biased jury. He is facing an uphill battle to sway them because the defense has chosen to play them emotionally and portray White as the All-American good ol' boy. 6. The most important information in most plays takes place during theatrical moments. Identify the most theatrical moments in Execution of Justice.
White's confession recording is a very theatrical moment because it is what ultimately wins the sympathy of the jury. Also the character Boom Boom is theatrical because he provides insight and information on behalf of those who were deeply struck by the murders.
One of the greatest things about Ball'sTheory is that it is simply a theory; therefore, is a supposed idea that is not necessarily true in every case. In my personal analysis of Execution of Justice, I don''t believe there is a stasis. Considering a stasis is a state of inactivity or equilibrium, it is illogical to assume that any aspect of the events surrounding the murder of Harvey Milk would be inactive or calm. The LGBT community of San Francisco had a crucial member of their community and an icon to many ripped away from them in a tragic crime. I understand that the play has to begin somewhere and that is generally assumed to be the stasis; however, I don't think that Execution of Justice follows this traditional path because the play begins in a chaotic state of heightened emotion and turmoil in San Francisco. I believe this was deliberate on the part of Mann to show that the beginning of this trial was not the beginning of the chaos and injustice being experience by the LGBT Community during this time.
2. Ball points out that the intrusion sometimes occurs late in the dramatic action. What is the intrusion that breaks the stasis in Execution of Justice and how is it broken?
I tried really hard to contain my analysis to the ideas of Ball's Theory but, it seems that I can't fail to see the holes in the theory as it applies to this play. I couldn't isolate the play to one contained event when in fact the play is capturing the end result of the situation surrounding the murders. Considering that the intrusion is the trigger for the resolving actions of the play, I honestly don't believe that one of the goals of the play was to captured the injustice served on behalf of the LGBT community and that it was not written to stand alone as the single event of the trial; however, it was to capture the end result of the unjust situation. Therefore, I don't believe the intrusion was within the play because Mann includes enough background information to convey that this is a long standing experience for the LGBT community.
3. Why do the events of the play take place at this particular time and place? In other words, what is the unique factor that is out of the ordinary that causes a turn of events to take place? Hint: what is the heart of the play? How does the title figure in this?
The unique factor of the events of the play is that this is the trial that will determine the fate of White after he commits a heinous crime.
4. State the dramatic questions that must be answered by the end of the play? (Ordinarily, the dramatic question shares a close connection with the intrusion.)
The dramatic question is whether or not White will receive a proper sentence for what he did and will the liberal community see justice in the results.
5. Use the two lawyers to answer the questions concerning character. Ball says, a character is revealed by what he/she does, ie. The dramatic actions that are taken. Examine what these particular characters wants. The wants of a character often encounter obstacles that get in the way of achieving those wants. Ball says there are 4 kinds of obstacles that frustrate the wants of a character. They are: a. Me against myself, b. Me against another individual, c. Me against society (that is law, social norms, etc.) and, d. Me against fate, the universe, natural forces, God or the gods. In answering these questions be sure to point to the particular obstacles that demonstrate these obstacles facing each of the lawyers.
The defense, Mr. Norman, and the prosecution, Schmidt, are in a clear battle against each other to achieve what they think is justice concerning the case. However, Mr. Norman is facing more opposition because of the biased jury. He is facing an uphill battle to sway them because the defense has chosen to play them emotionally and portray White as the All-American good ol' boy.
6. The most important information in most plays takes place during theatrical moments. Identify the most theatrical moments in Execution of Justice.
White's confession recording is a very theatrical moment because it is what ultimately wins the sympathy of the jury. Also the character Boom Boom is theatrical because he provides insight and information on behalf of those who were deeply struck by the murders.